The evolution of the word “basic” is as obvious as it is strange. Moving from an adjective synonymous with simplicity to a critique of people who tend to like popular things, “basic” has irrevocably and undeniably become a part of the vocabulary of young people. So what is “basicness” in its most modern form? Ask different people, and you’ll get different answers. “Basic is like, you know, drinking pumpkin spice lattes and wearing UGG boots and leggings,” said my classmate Casey Smith. Others don’t agree. “Basic is thinking you're unique when really you're just like everyone else," said student Andrew Schoppenhorst. So if “basic” is liking what’s popular, then isn’t everyone basic?

The word is often used as an insult, and if you aren’t “basic," then you’re a “hipster." Stereotypes like these are critiqued almost as much as they are used as a critique. The limiting and oppressive nature of stereotypes is nearly universally accepted, and most would agree that using a stereotype denies all of the other incredibly complex elements of a person. Labeling someone as “basic” for enjoying pumpkin spice lattes is generally considered wrong and a form of bullying. It is easy to accuse these labels as being rude or offensive; however, there really is nothing offensive in enjoying popular trends.

Stereotyping others makes a massive generalization that is oftentimes false, pointing out the characteristics and flaws of others and ignoring the complexity that simply comes with being a human being. In a way, labeling someone is degrading and dehumanizing; it says that they are not worthy of complex and conflicting emotions, that they are a simple outline, a placeholder, a generalization. Generalizations, however, are not always negative. In some cases, it can be useful and even beneficial to stereotype objects, policies, or viewpoints in order to find a more clear beginning ground on which to base further opinions. For example, look at the presidential election. Before meeting the candidates for all parties, the general public can align themselves with one party or another, depending on their stance on the fundamental principals of each group. This saves time and aligns people with candidates who share similar views. This often happens subconsciously; we will be quick to turn down a pumpkin spice latte if we normally drink from the “coffee” side of the Starbucks bulletin board and vice versa. Once we focus our attention on the coffee as opposed to the frappuccinos, we can decide specifically what we wish to drink.

It should be noted that this applies strictly to objects. Labeling or stereotyping a person is dehumanizing. A human being and a coffee are extremely different, but we also should not be so upset with certain generalizations that hold no weight. So, if you want to be “basic," then be “basic." Drink your lattes and wear those leggings, and if someone is base enough to make fun of you, shrug it off. It is when someone makes a generalization in a way that paints others in a negative or truly offensive way that we should not accept it. It is true that we generalize in all aspects of our lives, but perhaps we shouldn't shove people into neat boxes if they don't fit.